ROLAND R WRIGHT ANG BASE, Utah -- U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kalob Swank, a security forces police officer with the 151st Security Forces Squadron, recently made history by winning Utah’s Best Warrior title. Competing against seasoned Army National Guard soldiers in a traditionally Army-dominated competition, Swank’s victory underscores his dedication and highlights the growing participation of Utah Air National Guard members in joint-service events.
The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event hosted by the Army National Guard to test the physical and mental resilience of participants. The grueling contest assesses skills in marksmanship, land navigation, obstacle courses, ruck marches, and other tactical operations.
Swank is the fourth Utah Air National Guard member to claim the title, further proving that airmen can compete, and excel, against the Army’s best. With four wins in just six years of the competition in Utah, the Air Guard’s success is no longer an anomaly but a growing tradition.
Beyond his Best Warrior victory, Swank’s leadership and outstanding performance were further recognized when he was named the Utah Air National Guard’s Airman of the Year—an honor that was just the beginning. He went on to claim the Airman of the Year title for Region 7, distinguishing himself among the best in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam.
Swank’s journey to the Utah Air National Guard was marked by perseverance. Initially drawn to active-duty Air Force but deterred by restrictive tattoo policies, he first enlisted in the Navy. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with changes in Air Force tattoo regulations, gave him the opportunity to fulfill his goal of serving in the Air Force, specifically the Utah Air National Guard.
"My goal has always been to better myself and inspire others," Swank said. His commitment to self-improvement and leadership made the Best Warrior Competition a natural fit, pushing him to test his limits and grow. "I think it's important for young airmen to put themselves out there, to not become stagnant in life."
The competition, held at Army Garrison Camp Williams in Draper, Utah, challenged participants with tactical maneuvers, marksmanship drills, and physically demanding obstacle courses. Swank trained extensively with support from Master Sgt. Christopher Cook, 151st Air Transportation operations noncommissioned officer, and Master Sgt. Berkeley Ward, 151st Force Support Squadron, focusing on endurance-building cardio workouts and mountain runs while mastering the specialized skills required for each event.
Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, Swank recalled two moments that stood out: a 10-mile ruck march and a high-stakes shoot house scenario. In the latter, competitors were blindfolded, zip-tied, and transported to a simulated combat environment, where they had to execute a building clearance under stress.
"You're exhausted, and then they have you rappel down and do even more," Swank said with a laugh. "But it's fun and all about testing yourself." Despite initial nerves, Swank excelled and, to his surprise, emerged as the Best Warrior in the junior enlisted category.
"It was pure excitement," he said. "Hearing my name called and seeing my unit cheering for me felt amazing."
Even after securing multiple accolades, Swank’s drive remains unwavering. His Airman of the Year recognition—both at the state and regional levels—cements his place as a top-performing airman, not just in competition, but as a leader in the Utah Air National Guard.
With the National Guard Bureau-level Best Warrior Competition approaching in May, Swank is preparing for the next challenge. But his ultimate goal extends beyond competitions—he aspires to commission and become a pilot in the Utah Air National Guard, a dream that motivated his enlistment and continues to push him forward.
For those considering joining the Utah Air National Guard, Swank has a simple message: "Just do it. It opens doors, and you'll meet amazing people. This experience has given me so much, and I'm excited to see where it leads.”
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